FILE PHOTO: Yuka Saso hoists the US Open trophy after winning in a sudden death playoff over Nasa Hataoka following the final round of the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at The Olympic Club. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
MANILA, Philippines—Star golfer Yuka Saso will officially represent Japan when she competes in the upcoming LPGA event in Orlando, Florida.
The LPGA has already recognized Saso as a Japanese citizen with the 20-year-old rising star’s profile on its website featuring Japan’s flag.
Saso, born in Bulacan to a Filipino mother and Japanese father, opted for Japanese citizenship last November.
Yuka Saso’s profile in the LPGA website.
The world No. 8 hopes to pick up where she left off in the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on January 20.
She put the LPGA on notice last year with a stunning victory at the US Women’s Open while still carrying the Philippine flag.
The Asian Games gold medalist also represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Olympics where she placed ninth.